As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of Independence this year, I was curious as to what was happening this week in 1776.
August 1, 1776
Just one day before the formal parchment of the Declaration of Independence was signed, Patriot leader Samuel Adams delivered a passionate, unifying speech to rally the Continental Congress.
On August 1st, 1776 in Philadelphia, Adams issued a fierce ultimatum to those still on the fence, challenging hesitant delegates to commit fully to the cause, famously declaring: “If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace… Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you.”
Vehemently structuring the American Revolution as a global haven for liberty, Adams elevated the War For Independence to much more than a localized tax dispute. He wholeheartedly believed that the Revolution defined the moral and religious virtues required for the new republic.
Adams’ speech, often titled “American Independence,” boosted morale, mobilizing the public and delegates by declaring that America had no alternative but independence to escape “the most ignominious and galling servitude.”
Everyone – whether a country or a person – needs a champion like this. It is our great fortune that in 1776, and the years surrounding it, that we had many.
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